bule
/ˈbu.li/
The Portuguese word for teapot is bule. Wiktionary also lists chaleira.
Meaning: vessel for tea (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bule | /ˈbu.li/ (Brazil) /ˈbu.lɨ/ (Portugal) |
|
| chaleira | /ʃaˈle(j).ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /ʃɐˈlɐj.ɾɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The term refers to a vessel used for serving tea.
Which one should you use?
While bule refers specifically to a teapot for serving tea, chaleira refers to a kettle used for boiling water.
How does it change in a sentence?
bule is a masculine noun, whereas chaleira is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of bule is /ˈbu.li/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word bule might not be Portuguese in origin, as it is suspected to come from the Malay word buli-buli, meaning a small stoppered glass or porcelain vial.
- In some traditional Portuguese households, the bule is not just for tea but is also used to serve café de coador, a type of filtered coffee.
- The suffix -eira in chaleira is a common Portuguese way to name a tool or container used for a specific object, similar to how açucareira is used for sugar.
Examples in context
- O bule está embaixo da mesa.The teapot is under the table.This sentence shows the position of the bule relative to a table.Tatoeba #2634401 by alexmarcelo, translation #2634279 by ddnktr
- O bule está em cima da mesa.The teapot is on the table.Tatoeba #2634402 by alexmarcelo, translation #2634276 by CK
- Tom pôs o bule sobre a mesa.Tom put the teapot on the table.This sentence demonstrates an action involving the bule and a table.Tatoeba #7897458 by piterkeo, translation #7888201 by Hybrid
- Quanto custa esse bule de porcelana?How much does this porcelain teapot cost?
- Gostaria de comprar um bule para presente.I would like to buy a teapot as a gift.
- Meu avô tem uma chaleira antiga que ele guarda com carinho.My grandfather has an old teapot that he treasures.
- Escolher um chá especial para colocar na chaleiraTo choose a special tea to put in the teapot
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a kitchen during afternoon tea.
- GabrielCamila, você viu o meu bule?Camila, did you see my teapot?
- CamilaSim, Gabriel, está no armário.Yes, Gabriel, it is in the cupboard.
- GabrielObrigado, eu vou pegá-lo.Thank you, I will get it.
- CamilaDe nada, traga também as xícaras.You're welcome, bring the cups too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teapot” translations and entries bule, chaleira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bule, chaleira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
